1855 Kellogg $50 re-strike SS Central America Gem Proof

*Comes complete with the copper frame and all the packaging, including the certificate of authenticity.*

1855 Kellogg $50 Commemorative re-strike SS Central America Gem Proof

In one of the most well conceived entrepreneurial numismatic ventures of all time, the Kellogg & Company $50 Gold Gem Proof Commemorative Restrike was born. Utilizing 69 genuine and historic “Gold Rush” gold ingots originally assayed by John G. Kellogg’s firm in San Francisco in the 1850’s and recovered from the famous SS Central America shipwreck, issued by the California Historic Society.

Each of the hefty 5,000 gem proof specimens issued in this limited edition was struck at the Presidio in San Francisco from August 20 to September 12, 2001 using an original vintage San Francisco Mint press. The dates are notable as they represent the 144th anniversary of the days this very gold was in transit from San Francisco to New York before it was lost at sea. Transfer dies were created from an original pair of dies engraved by Ferdinand Gruner in 1855 for Kellogg & Co. The words “SS Central America Gold – CHS” were added to the ribbon on the reverse. Through this remarkable good fortune, original gold could be married with the original dies to commemorate both Kellogg’s famous private issue coin as well as the “Ship of Gold” treasure. Furthermore, each and every coin was counter-stamped by hand with the exact date it was struck.

Specifications of the 1855 Kellogg $50 Commemorative Restrike: • 2.5 Troy Ounces of .887 Fine Gold recovered from SS Central America shipwreck • Struck in San Francisco utilizing vintage original San Francisco Mint press • Limited Edition of 5,000 – Each counter-stamped with date of striking • Gem Proof • PCGS certified